The Last of Us Part II Remastered's PC release on April 3rd, 2025, necessitates a PlayStation Network (PSN) account, a decision sparking controversy among potential players. This requirement, mirroring previous Sony PC ports of PlayStation exclusives, forces users to create or link a PSN account, a move met with past backlash.
While the highly anticipated sequel's arrival on PC is exciting, the PSN mandate dampens enthusiasm. The Steam page explicitly states the PSN requirement, allowing players to link existing accounts. This detail, easily overlooked, is a point of contention, echoing negative reactions to similar requirements in past PlayStation PC releases. Last year, Sony even backtracked on this policy for Helldivers 2 due to significant player resistance.
Sony's motivation likely stems from encouraging PSN adoption among PC gamers, a logical business strategy. However, this approach is risky given past negative feedback. While a basic PSN account is free, the additional step of account creation or linking adds inconvenience. Furthermore, PSN's unavailability in certain regions renders the game inaccessible to some fans. This limitation clashes with the Last of Us franchise's reputation for accessibility, potentially alienating a segment of its player base. The lack of multiplayer or online features in The Last of Us Part II further fuels the debate surrounding the necessity of this PSN requirement.
